Horn Book Herald: August 2025

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Kevin Sylvester. This graphic novel follows Puffin on his adventures moving to a new city and a new school. He struggles to make friends but eventually wins over the other birds when his glowing beak saves the school play. The story is full of bird puns, but the focus is learning to be yourself. The illustrations use a distinct color palette, show each bird’s personality, and are well integrated into the storytelling.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Nilah Magruder. Color by Ellis P. Background inks by Akem. After moving to a rural town, confident young Black equestrian Nora struggles to adjust to a rundown barn, a new school, and frequent microaggressions but gradually finds connection and purpose in her new community. This graphic novel explores race, class, and belonging with humor and heart. Though some imprecise equine terminology undercuts the story’s strengths, the energetic art and lively pacing make it an engaging read for horse lovers and outsiders alike.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA This poignant, heart-wrenching graphic memoir follows a young boy struggling with his mother’s mental illness and his parents’ divorce. Corey grapples with confusion and his changing perception of his mother after she dramatically puts a stop to his father’s court-ordered parental visitations. The story skillfully portrays emotional turmoil, resilience, religious doubt, and the complexities of family. The muted, elegiac artwork beautifully complements the text, making this a powerful, empathetic read about trauma and survival.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis

(3) K-3 I Can Read!: Comics series. In this beginning-reader comic, when Mom says it’s time for bed a young penguin pretends to be a busy adult with “27 emails” to read. Chip complains and suggests that she “be the kid” and turn in, while Chip gets to be the grown-up. A lengthy bedtime routine and Mom’s list of nightly chores makes Chip reconsider. Large panels and simple sentences with a mix of one-syllable and longer words (cf2]laundry, tomorrow), make this a suitable offering for emerging readers.

Reviewer: Marva Anne Hinton

(4) YA Illustrated by Tess Stone. Maya, an Indian American teen, embarks on a road trip with two strangers to find her missing sister who disappeared after chasing a mysterious pillar of light. This graphic novel touches on family, self-discovery, climate anxiety, and the anguish of an uncertain future in a post-apocalyptic world. Although some of the characters could use more development, the emotional journey, philosophical depth, and dynamic visual composition offer a compelling adventure with poignant moments.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Illustrated by Fred Fordham. This graphic-format adaptation masterfully captures the quiet introspection and mythic quality of Le Guin’s classic. The muted watercolor-style art, with its fluid linework, enhances the ethereal tone, immersing readers in the journey of Ged, a young wizard, as he confronts a dark force he'd unwittingly unleashed. Although the minimal text may challenge newcomers to the tale, fans will appreciate this visually distinctive reimagining. (To fit the format, and in consultation with Le Guin's son, Fordham trimmed and truncated some of the text and events.) A thoughtful, atmospheric adaptation that remains true to Le Guin’s vision.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Color by Maddie Sackett. When eleven-year-old Galen’s parents' divorce, he finally understands the pain of his friend Kyle, whose parents have also split, and together with pal Luna, they make a documentary to process it all. This engaging graphic novel explores complicated family dynamics, friendship, and big emotions with nuance and honesty. Warm illustrations with cinematic touches add energy and clarity, with expressive art heightening the emotional stakes. A thoughtful, relatable read for kids navigating change and seeking connection.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Andrea Bell. This comforting graphic novel blends culinary charm with a sensitive exploration of grief. Emily’s family bakery magically bakes good emotions into their treats, but after her aunt’s sudden death, she learns the consequences of mixing “bad” feelings into a crumble. As Emily heals, she discovers the power of support and self-expression. Characterful illustrations in confectionary-inspired hues capture Emily’s personal growth. Splash pages sprinkled throughout the book display recipes for various confections, inviting readers into her magical kitchen.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Alina Pete. Colored by Jillian Dolan. In 1944, thirteen-year-old Ilse Schweder got lost in a snowstorm while on a dogsled trip in northern Canada with her fur-trapping family. For nine days, Ilse endures freezing temperatures alone, without food or supplies, assisted by her traditional Indigenous knowledge of the land and its creatures. While this graphic novel’s text is stilted and the illustrations are static, they effectively convey Ilse’s survival skills and determination. An author’s note gives more details about the real Ilse, the author’s grandmother.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) YA Illustrated by Claudia Aguirre. Lettering by Lor Prescott. Free-spirited, red-headed queer teen Dan’s mother leaves him with his grandparents, whom he’s never met, in this 1990s-set graphic-novel reimagining of Anne of Green Gables. Though he makes new friends and bonds with his grandmother, his relationship with his homophobic grandfather is fraught. This standalone story of an appealing protagonist finding much-needed roots in a new home is reminiscent of the source material but not too attached to its particulars. Panels in varied layouts depict an inviting rural setting and use background colors effectively to show emotion.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax